The Welk Family Foundation concentrates its giving on local health care and long‑term care facility needs in and around Aberdeen, SD, supporting capital and equipment upgrades that sustain operations. Grants are pragmatic and project‑specific (e.g., infusion pump replacement, HVAC/energy upgrades) and directed to institutions that serve the regional community, including a recurring commitment to a tribal/long‑term care center.
The Welk Family Foundation’s clearest pattern is long-term, project-based support for health care and elder services in Sisseton, especially at Tekakwitha Living Center and Coteau Des Prairies Hospital. In 2025 and 2026, it backed room flooring, window treatments, handicapped accessibility, and other capital needs at Tekakwitha Living Center, while also financing hospital equipment and patient-care-area updates at Coteau Des Prairies Hospital. That combination shows a funder focused on keeping local institutions functional rather than funding broad, open-ended programs. Its grantmaking also reaches nearby community facilities that serve residents in everyday life: schools, fire and rescue groups, a library, youth sports, and a church congregation. Those awards tend to be practical and specific, such as radios, bunker gear, accessibility upgrades, and renovation work. The foundation also makes individual scholarship grants, indicating that its local giving extends beyond institutions to people in the community. Across the recent record, the foundation appears to favor tangible improvements that can be completed and put into use quickly, especially when they support regional health care, accessibility, and community infrastructure.
Health care is the most visible theme in the recent grants. In 2026, the foundation gave $50,000 to Coteau Des Prairies Hospital for bathroom, cabinetry, and furnishing replacements in north wing patient care rooms, and in 2024 it gave $51,500 to the same hospital to replace old infusion pumps. Those awards point to a preference for equipment and room-level upgrades that affect daily operations. Elder care and Native-serving facilities are another clear area of support. Tekakwitha Living Center received $93,203 in 2025 to update rooms with new flooring and window treatments, and $65,000 in 2024 for an energy-efficient cooling system. The 2026 grant of $53,000 added flooring, finishes, and handicapped accessibility improvements. The foundation also supports community safety and access. Grants to Roberts County Rescue Inc and the Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department covered handheld radios, bunker gear, and a Res-Q-Jack kit, while Emmanuel United Church of Christ received funding for handicap accessibility and geothermal HVAC work.
Typical awards are small, with a p25 of $1,000, a median of $1,000, and a p75 of $2,500. The recent record also includes larger project grants in the tens of thousands for facility upgrades and equipment replacement. The foundation shows repeated support for the same recipients across multiple years, especially Tekakwitha Living Center, Coteau Des Prairies Hospital, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Roberts County Rescue Inc, and the Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department. That pattern suggests multi-year relationship giving rather than one-off awards. It also funds individuals through scholarships, alongside organizational grants. The foundation’s visible grant strategy is pragmatic and highly specific, centered on capital repairs, equipment procurement, and limited operating support.
$194K
$2.8M
$375K
$240K
Most grants fall between $1K and $3K, with a median of $1K.
25th Percentile
$1K
Median
$1K
75th Percentile
$3K
About 81% of grants go to recipients in ND.
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Concentrated, project-based grants: a small number of relatively large awards focused on facility infrastructure and medical equipment, with repeat funding to at least one core grantee.
Notable grantees: Tekakwitha Living Center, Coteau Des Prairies Hospital
Grantmaking is tightly concentrated in northeastern South Dakota, especially Sisseton. The recipient list also shows a smaller but meaningful flow to Hankinson, North Dakota, which is consistent with ND being the top state by grant count. Across the recent grants provided, 81% of awards went to recipients in South Dakota, while all listed grants were to U.S. organizations or individuals. The geographic footprint is local rather than regional or national, with most awards landing in a small cluster of nearby communities.
It most often funds capital and equipment needs tied to local institutions: room flooring and window treatments at Tekakwitha Living Center, infusion pump replacement and patient-care-area updates at Coteau Des Prairies Hospital, and accessibility or HVAC work at community buildings. It also supports fire and rescue equipment, scholarships, and facility renovation projects.
Yes. Tekakwitha Living Center, Coteau Des Prairies Hospital, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Roberts County Rescue Inc, and the Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department all appear in multiple grant years, including 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The foundation’s grant-size distribution is small on the lower end: p25 is $1,000, median is $1,000, and p75 is $2,500. The recent record also includes larger awards for capital projects, including $93,203 to Tekakwitha Living Center and $60,800 to Coteau Des Prairies Hospital.
Its top state by grant count is North Dakota, while 81% of grants go to recipients in South Dakota. The recent grants are concentrated in Sisseton, SD, with a smaller number in Hankinson, ND.
Yes. The recent grants list includes scholarships to named individuals, including Annika Estwick, Chloe Langager, and Colter Schaunaman Hanson, as well as a scholarship award to Sisseton School District 54-2 for ten post-secondary academic and/or vocational scholarships.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekakwitha Living Center | Sisseton, SD | $53,000 | 2026 | Upgrades to residents room flooring. Finishes and handicapped accessibility and support of capital expense to maintain a comfortable living environment for residents. |
| Coteau Des Prairies Hospital | Sisseton, SD | $50,000 | 2026 | Replace bathrooms, cabinetry. and furnishing to the north wing patient care rooms. |
| Sisseton School District 54-2 | Sisseton, SD | $19,000 | 2026 | Ten general post-secondary academic and/or secondary vocational/technical scholarships. |
| Emmanuel United Church of Christ | Hankinson, ND | $15,000 | 2026 | HVAC maintenance - replace defective Geothermal Heat Pump Compressor. Handicap ramp decking and upgrade the signage at the front of the building. |
| Roberts County Rescue Inc | Sisseton, SD | $15,000 | 2026 | Purchase four handheld portable radios, used for communications on fire scenes. |
| Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department | Sisseton, SD | $15,000 | 2026 | Purchase four handheld portable radios, used for communications on fire scenes. |
| Greater Sisseton Initiative Inc | Sisseton, SD | $4,000 | 2026 | Gym renovation. |
| Community Transit Inc | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2026 | Support for the rural transportation agency that is available for all residents in Northeast South Dakota |
| Sisseton Area Ministerial Association | Sisseton, SD | $2,000 | 2026 | Renovate and add space to our ministerial food pantry. |
| Sisseton Swimming Pool | Sisseton, SD | $1,100 | 2026 | Purchase of 10 thermoplastic coated commercial grade outdoor benches. |
| United Methodist Presbyterian Church | Browns Valley, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | Painting and drywall repair in the sanctuary. |
| Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Repair/Replace the eight windows in the main sanctuary. |
| Special Olympics Sisseton Area | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Provide continued opportunities of sports participation, physical activity, and social interaction for individuals with intellectual disabilities. |
| Sisseton Youth Baseball Association | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Purchase of new lights and lighting system. |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Browns Valley, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | Replace the rear deck and steps of the parsonage. |
| Faith Lutheran Church | New Effington, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Upgrade the men's and women's bathrooms to make them handicap accessible and include changing tables for babies. |
| Zion Lutheran (LCMS) Church | New Effington, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Replace front entrance door. |
| New Hope Free Lutheran Church | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Movies of Hope - Once a month from October - April, movies are shown for the public. |
| New Effington Volunteer Fire Department | New Effington, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Purchase of hand held portable radios for the fire department and first responders. |
| The Church of St Anthony | Browns Valley, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | To repoint exterior brick |
| St Peters Parish of Roberts County | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Shingle project and general operations. |
| First Presbyterian Church | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Replace Kitchen Refrigerator |
| Family Life Assembly of God | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Improve and pave the church parking lot. |
| Roberts County 4-H Shooting Sports | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Shooting sports to teach youth safety, discipline, technique, and sportsmanship through the mentored use of shooting equipment. |
| Grace Lutheran Church | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | Installation of a new Audio Visual Wi-Fi System wireless network in the sanctuary for Live Stream Services |
| Roberts County 4-H Leaders Association | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2026 | General operating support to provide leadership and development opportunities for youth. |
| Heritage Museums of the Coteau Des Prairies | Sisseton, SD | $621 | 2026 | Purchase and installation of intrusion and fire deteclion alarm system in the Stavig House Museum. |
| Browns Valley Public Library | Browns Valley, MN | $500 | 2026 | Purchase audio books, e-books and large print books for the library. |
| Tekakwitha Living Center | Sisseton, SD | $93,203 | 2025 | Update rooms with new flooring and window treatments. |
| Emmanuel United Church of Christ | Hankinson, ND | $15,000 | 2025 | Improve the church's handicap accessibility and parking issues. |
| Roberts County Rescue Inc | Sisseton, SD | $14,400 | 2025 | Purchase 4 sets of bunker gear. |
| Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department | Sisseton, SD | $14,400 | 2025 | Purchase 4 sets of bunker gear. |
| Coteau Des Prairies Hospital | Sisseton, SD | $3,000 | 2025 | Leadership development trainings. |
| Landyn Steichen | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Greater Sisseton Initiative Inc | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Gym renovation. |
| Hannah Leverson | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Ethan DeSpiegler | Browns Valley, MN | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Chloe Langager | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Hunter Hanson | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Karley Heminger | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Sisseton Memorial Library | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | To support summer reading. |
| Sophia Moen | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Rylie Huff | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Scholarships |
| Sisseton Youth Baseball Association | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Help with the renovation and construction costs for the older baseball field. |
| Community Transit Inc | Sisseton, SD | $2,500 | 2025 | Support for the rural transportation agency that is available for all residents in Northeast South Dakota |
| The Church of St Anthony | Browns Valley, MN | $1,000 | 2025 | To update current bathrooms. |
| St Kateri Tekakwitha Parish | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2025 | Electrical safety project. |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Browns Valley, MN | $1,000 | 2025 | Purchase a replacement air conditioner. |
| Grace Lutheran Church | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2025 | Replace doors for north entrance. |
| Stavig House Museum | Sisseton, SD | $1,000 | 2025 | Purchase and install new furnace. |
Tekakwitha Living Center
$53,000Upgrades to residents room flooring. Finishes and handicapped accessibility and support of capital expense to maintain a comfortable living environment for residents.
Coteau Des Prairies Hospital
$50,000Replace bathrooms, cabinetry. and furnishing to the north wing patient care rooms.
Sisseton School District 54-2
$19,000Ten general post-secondary academic and/or secondary vocational/technical scholarships.
Emmanuel United Church of Christ
$15,000HVAC maintenance - replace defective Geothermal Heat Pump Compressor. Handicap ramp decking and upgrade the signage at the front of the building.
Roberts County Rescue Inc
$15,000Purchase four handheld portable radios, used for communications on fire scenes.
Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department
Purchase four handheld portable radios, used for communications on fire scenes.
Greater Sisseton Initiative Inc
$4,000Gym renovation.
Community Transit Inc
$2,500Support for the rural transportation agency that is available for all residents in Northeast South Dakota
Sisseton Area Ministerial Association
$2,000Renovate and add space to our ministerial food pantry.
Sisseton Swimming Pool
$1,100Purchase of 10 thermoplastic coated commercial grade outdoor benches.
United Methodist Presbyterian Church
$1,000Painting and drywall repair in the sanctuary.
Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church
$1,000Repair/Replace the eight windows in the main sanctuary.
Special Olympics Sisseton Area
$1,000Provide continued opportunities of sports participation, physical activity, and social interaction for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sisseton Youth Baseball Association
$1,000Purchase of new lights and lighting system.
Zion Lutheran Church
$1,000Replace the rear deck and steps of the parsonage.
Faith Lutheran Church
$1,000Upgrade the men's and women's bathrooms to make them handicap accessible and include changing tables for babies.
Zion Lutheran (LCMS) Church
$1,000Replace front entrance door.
New Hope Free Lutheran Church
$1,000Movies of Hope - Once a month from October - April, movies are shown for the public.
New Effington Volunteer Fire Department
$1,000Purchase of hand held portable radios for the fire department and first responders.
The Church of St Anthony
$1,000To repoint exterior brick
St Peters Parish of Roberts County
$1,000Shingle project and general operations.
First Presbyterian Church
$1,000Replace Kitchen Refrigerator
Family Life Assembly of God
$1,000Improve and pave the church parking lot.
Roberts County 4-H Shooting Sports
$1,000Shooting sports to teach youth safety, discipline, technique, and sportsmanship through the mentored use of shooting equipment.
Grace Lutheran Church
$1,000Installation of a new Audio Visual Wi-Fi System wireless network in the sanctuary for Live Stream Services
Roberts County 4-H Leaders Association
$1,000General operating support to provide leadership and development opportunities for youth.
Heritage Museums of the Coteau Des Prairies
$621Purchase and installation of intrusion and fire deteclion alarm system in the Stavig House Museum.
Browns Valley Public Library
$500Purchase audio books, e-books and large print books for the library.
Tekakwitha Living Center
$93,203Update rooms with new flooring and window treatments.
Emmanuel United Church of Christ
$15,000Improve the church's handicap accessibility and parking issues.
Roberts County Rescue Inc
$14,400Purchase 4 sets of bunker gear.
Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department
$14,400Purchase 4 sets of bunker gear.
Coteau Des Prairies Hospital
$3,000Leadership development trainings.
Landyn Steichen
$2,500Scholarships
Greater Sisseton Initiative Inc
$2,500Gym renovation.
Hannah Leverson
$2,500Scholarships
Ethan DeSpiegler
$2,500Scholarships
Chloe Langager
$2,500Scholarships
Hunter Hanson
$2,500Scholarships
Karley Heminger
$2,500Scholarships
Sisseton Memorial Library
$2,500To support summer reading.
Sophia Moen
$2,500Scholarships
Rylie Huff
$2,500Scholarships
Sisseton Youth Baseball Association
$2,500Help with the renovation and construction costs for the older baseball field.
Community Transit Inc
$2,500Support for the rural transportation agency that is available for all residents in Northeast South Dakota
The Church of St Anthony
$1,000To update current bathrooms.
St Kateri Tekakwitha Parish
$1,000Electrical safety project.
Zion Lutheran Church
$1,000Purchase a replacement air conditioner.
Grace Lutheran Church
$1,000Replace doors for north entrance.
Stavig House Museum
$1,000Purchase and install new furnace.